Touches of neon have been creeping into our homes and wardrobes as of late, and it's starting a patio invasion as well. In a natural setting with mixed textures and materials, neon is a real standout. Whether you're a neon newbie or already a convert, here's how to work these brights into your outdoor space. More

Specialty: Home store totally focused on fun and quirky items
Price Range: ($) Budget to ($$$) High-End

It's hard to classify Judy Maxwell Home. It's kind of a gift shop but it's also a house of curiosities. It's an art gallery where you can also pick up a lifesize talking Power Ranger. Oh, and you might run into owner Joan Cusack, too. More

With warm weather on its way comes the opportunity to dine al fresco, one of the great pleasures of the season. Eating in the open air also means flies making a dive for your meal and just generally getting in the way. Here is a safe and easy way to repel these pests without using harmful sprays. More

Does your outdoor space get the last of your decorating attention and budget? Check out these 10 accessories that will perk up your patio or liven your lawn — all for under $10. More

IKEA's editorial blog, Livet Hemma, brings us this beautiful, retro inspiration shoot for planning your very own May Day picnic... or any day picnic, for that matter. More

Our little back garden heats up like an urban inferno during Washington's sweltering summer months. Determined to make our little garden usable this summer, I spent several weeks searching for a patio umbrella that would provide sufficient shade. The area I was targeting is about 11x13 square feet. Not big (obviously), but big enough to make it a challenge to stay shaded with a standard umbrella.
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I love Orla Kiely's fashion and designs for the home. So, now that Spring is here and we're focusing on the outdoors, I was super excited to see that she has a small line of garden accessories. With her trademark petal patterns, it was bound to happen! More

We just can't get enough of this 1970s throwback: macramé. Perfect for spicing up a tiny outdoor area (it allows you to hang your plants and fit even more greenery into your space, after all), it also creates a beautiful, laid back atmosphere when used in indoor areas. More

Specialty: Colorful, contemporary steel garden trellises, tuteurs and arbors.
Price Range: ($$$) High-End

Trellises are a great way to grow your green goods vertically. Not only do they save space, they're great for plants who are best at climbing, sprawling and spreading out. Terra Trellis has re-imagined the classic trellis, with these bright, modern and sculptural versions.
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The current issue of the online gardening and outdoor mag Leaf features this budget minded garden in London that is chock full of good ideas. I thought it would be fun to deconstruct, so you might also be able to 'get the look'. More